Chikungunya Virus

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Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-borne disease especially prevalent in the Caribbean, where it can infect U.S. travelers.
Chikungunya virus causes fever, muscle and joint pain, and swelling of the joints. Standard protective measures against mosquitoes can help
keep you from becoming infected.

Is Chikungunya Infection Dangerous?

Unlike West Nile virus, chikungunya virus infection is rarely fatal. It can cause illness for 7 to 10 days, however, and those infected with chikungunya are more likely to develop symptoms. Infection can cause fever, flu-like symptoms and painful swelling of the joints.

Are Mississippians at Risk?

Chikungunya can spread from person to person through the bite of a mosquito once travelers return home.
The Mississippi State Department of Health continues to investigate reports of possible Chikungunya cases related to travel.

If you are traveling internationally, you can check CDC Travel Health Notices for current health issues such as Chikungunya that may be a risk at your destination.

How Can I Protect Myself?

Protective measures from chikungunya are the same as those against West Nile virus or other mosquito-borne diseases:

Use a mosquito repellent when you are outdoors. Effective mosquito repellents have DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus as ingredients. Clothing (not skin) treated with permethrin will also repel and kill mosquitoes.

Remove sources of standing water around your home and yard, and make sure window screens are secure.

Wear loose, light-colored, long clothing to cover the arms and legs.

Avoid areas where mosquitoes are prevalent, regardless of the time of day. Mosquitoes that carry chikungunya virus are mainly active in the daytime, but mosquitoes that are active toward dawn and dusk can carry other diseases, such as West Nile virus.

Chikungunya, once confined to Africa and Asia, is now prevalent in the Caribbean and bordering countries in South and Central America, including Haiti and the Honduras.
Travelers to these areas should take protective measures against mosquitoes: wear loose, long clothing and use a mosquito repellent containing DEET or other recommended ingredient.

If you develop symptoms of fever and joint pain within 14 days of traveling from countries in the Caribbean or other countries with known local transmission of chikungunya virus, you should see your healthcare provider and mention your recent travel. You should also avoid mosquito bites to prevent infection from spreading to others.

How Can I Protect Others?

Remove standing water around your home. Standing water – even in very small amounts – can be used by mosquitoes to breed.
Standing water can collect in tires, flower pots, cans, wading pools, drain pipes, and any other open container.

If you are sick with the symptoms of chikungunya, or you have been diagnosed with chikungunya infection, you can spread the disease to others through mosquito bites.
Stay indoors, away from mosquitoes, and use a repellent to keep mosquitoes from biting you.